Diabetes, ASA class cited among factors of readmission for CSM patients

ORLANDO, Fla. — Several factors, such as diabetes and American Society of Anesthesiologists class, were linked with increased risks for longer hospital stays and readmission after 30 days among patients who underwent elective surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, according to a presenter at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Preoperative pulmonary comorbidities were also associated with an increased reoperation risk, while increased patient age was linked with a reduced reoperation risk, Cyrus Jalai, BA, said at the meeting.

“The risk for extended length of stay was significantly increased by posterior approach use, increased age from baseline, diabetes presence, the [American Society of Anesthesiologists] ASA class and increased operative time,” he said.

Jalai and colleagues used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to identify 3,057 surgical cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) cases between 2010 and 2012.

Researchers found diabetes presence, patient age, ASA class and operative time were significant positive predictors for an extended length hospital stay of 4 days or more. Among 976 patients who had 30-day readmission data available, 915 were not readmitted. Of the 61 patients who were readmitted, it was found that diabetes and ASA class were significant positive predictors, Jalai said. These predictors should be taken into consideration by surgeons who use such measures to assess quality of care, Jalai concluded. – by Robert Linnehan

Reference:

Jalai C, et al. Paper #056. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 1-5, 2016; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Jalai reports no relevant financial disclosures.